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Timber Floor Finishes and Polishing Brisbane

Budget Floor Sanding Brisbane offers a premium choice of Timber Interior Floor Polishes to suit your preferences. We only use the timber flooring industry’s tried and tested, highest-quality products that always produce beautiful, stylish polished timber floors.

As the conditions in the interior and exterior of the house are different, the coating materials also differ. Verandahs and decks are more exposed to changing atmospheric conditions so the polishing material applied is impervious and adaptable to harsh environmental conditions.
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Let us dive deeply into the guide finishes and polish. The discussion will focus on both interior and exterior applications.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC CLASSES OF INTERIOR FLOOR POLISHES?

Polishes used in the interior of the house are categorized into four basic classes depending upon their “base” and the polishing effect that occurs after their application. Apart from bestowing a glamorous effect on the floor, there are also some drawbacks associated with each polishing material being used.

oil based timber floor polish shinning floor with natural light from balcony

INTERIOR TIMBER FLOOR POLISHES: The Four Classes

Let’s have a brief look at each of them so it would be easy for you to decide which coating would be the best polish for your timber floor polishes and polishing.

What are Oil-Based Timber Floor Polishes?

These are traditional wood floor polishes based on natural oils. Traditional Pure Tung oil is one example.

Advantages Disadvantages
Provides a warmer effect and high tone to the floor, and their coverage is second to none. Do not wear well and require greater maintenance.
Excel in bringing a beautiful satin appearance to your Brisbane homes. Wooden floor will darken with age and possibly yellow in darker or covered areas.
Edge bonding of the floorboards is unlikely.

What Is Composite Oil-Based or Solvent-based Interior Floor Polishes?

These wooden floor polishes have natural oils combined with urethanes to enhance wear qualities. Interior Floor polishes with a higher urethane content will be more durable than the Pure Tung oil-based polishes mentioned before. These polishes can have gloss levels that vary from high gloss to satin. Water-based versions are available that have low VOC emissions but they will cost more.

What are Solvent-Based Polyurethane Floor Polishes Advantages and Disadvantages?

Solvent-based polyurethane provides the hardest polish of the four timber floor polishing alternatives.

Advantages (Why it has priority) Disadvantages (Drawbacks)
Provides the hardest polish and excellent wear qualities. Little maintenance is necessary. They do not have the flexibility of the other floor coatings.
All timber floor gloss levels are available (matt, satin, and very high gloss). They are combustible.
Well suited to pet owners as it is the most durable timber floor polish. A longer time is required for re-coating.
Due to its high strength and limited flexibility edge bonding of the wooden floorboards can occur. Gives off toxic vapors which last for about five days and have a strong odor that disperses over time.
Note: This floor polish option will also darken with age.

Why and When to Choose Water-Based Floor Polishes?

One and two-pack eco-friendly water-based polyurethanes are gaining popularity due to their improved durability and better wear qualities for your sanded floors.

  • Application: These are mostly applied over a sealer coat which helps to enhance the color of the timber floor and also helps reduce the possibility of edge bonding between the tongue and groove flooring.
  • Appearance: Come in matt, satin, and gloss. Generally, your floor will darken a little with age, but less than solvent-based timber floor polishes.
  • Benefits: Cures faster and produces fewer fumes. The biggest advantage is that you will have almost no exposure to VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This may be an option if you need to stay in your home or if anyone in your home suffers from respiratory issues.

How Raw Untreated Scandinavian-Looking Timber Floors With Invisible Protect looks?

With the progress of time, new techniques have developed which bring modernity to the timber floor. One of these practices is the use of invisible protect.

Question Answer (What it is/does)
What is invisible protect? Invisible Protect is a new water-based timber floor coating that retains the natural appearance and feel of untreated timber.
What’s new in it? Its almost invisible layer is extremely scratch-resistant and the wood floor coating has outstanding wear resistance. There is no enhancement of the timber color and the original floorboard color is retained. Invisible Protect also has an Anti-slip rating of R9.
Where can it be applied? This floor product is suitable for cork, parquetry, and interior wooden floors. Loba’s Invisible Protect is the latest from Germany’s technology leader in environmentally friendly, waterborne timber floor polishes.

What Are The Exterior Timber Deck Polishes for Brisbane’s Climate?

As Brisbane’s climate is perfect for outdoor living, Budget Floor Sanding Brisbane regularly maintains, recoats, and restores timber decks. We also have a specialized long-nosed edging machine to reach in under your handrails to complete a professional deck restoration.

Coating Material Description & Use
Sikkens Deck A premium oil-based timber coating offering excellent weather resistance for the harsh outdoor environment Brisbane decks endure. It is a high water-repellent, UV-resistant, exterior deck polish with a satin appearance that allows the wood grain to remain visible.
Decking Oil An economical floor sanding deck polish but requires more frequent applications to maintain the condition of your wooden deck after the floor sanding process.

The timber polish on outdoor timber decks does not last as long as interior polishes due to the harsh ultraviolet light it receives. If decks are not maintained, the polish deteriorates and eventually flakes off leaving the raw timber deck exposed and vulnerable to timber rot. Damaged timber boards can lead to the timber deck needing a more expensive repair or replacement.

Restore your deck to its absolute best with Brisbane’s deck sanding specialists, Budget Floor Sanding Brisbane.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Timber Floor Finishes and Polishing Brisbane

What are the different categories of interior timber floor finishes?

Interior finishes are categorized into four basic classes based on their “base” and finishing effect: oil-based finishes, composite oil-based/solvent-based finishes, solvent-based polyurethane finishes, and water-based finishes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of oil-based timber floor finishes?

Advantages: Oil-based finishes provide a warm and high-tone effect, and they have excellent coverage. They also give the wooden floor a beautiful satin appearance.

Disadvantages: Oil-based finishes require more maintenance, as they do not wear well. With age, the wood may darken and possibly yellow in darker areas or where it is covered. Edge bonding of the floorboards is unlikely.

How do composite oil-based/solvent-based interior floor finishes differ from pure Tung oil-based finishes?

Composite oil-based/solvent-based finishes combine natural oils with urethanes to enhance wear qualities. They offer greater durability compared to pure Tung oil-based finishes. Gloss levels can vary from high gloss to satin. Water-based versions with low VOC emissions are also available but at a higher cost.

What are the characteristics of solvent-based polyurethane floor finishes?

Solvent-based polyurethane provides the hardest finish among the four alternatives. It has excellent wear qualities and requires little maintenance. Gloss levels range from matt to very high gloss. The finish darkens with age, and there is a strong odor during application, which dissipates as it dries. Edge bonding of the floorboards can occur due to their high strength and limited flexibility.

Are water-based floor finishes a better option for those with respiratory issues?

Yes, water-based finishes are a better option for those with respiratory issues. They produce fewer fumes and have lower VOC emissions compared to solvent-based finishes. Water-based finishes cure faster and are environmentally friendly, providing improved durability and wear qualities.

How do water-based floor finishes compare to solvent-based finishes in terms of curing time and fumes?

Water-based finishes cure faster than solvent-based finishes. They produce fewer fumes during application and have lower VOC emissions. This makes water-based finishes a suitable choice if you need to stay in your home while the floor sanding and polishing process is being done.

What are the benefits of using raw untreated Scandinavian-looking timber floors with invisible protect?

Raw untreated Scandinavian-looking timber floors with invisible protect retain the natural appearance and feel of untreated wood. The almost invisible layer is extremely scratch-resistant, providing outstanding wear resistance. The original floorboard color is retained, and it has an anti-slip rating. This option is suitable for cork, parquetry, and interior.

Where can invisible protect be applied, and what are its features?

Invisible protect, a water-based coating, can be applied to cork, parquetry, and interior wooden floors. It retains the natural appearance and feel of untreated timber while offering exceptional scratch resistance, wear resistance, and an anti-slip rating of R9.

What are the common coating materials used for exterior timber deck finishes?

Common coating materials for exterior finishes include Sikkens Deck, a premium oil-based coating that offers excellent weather resistance and allows the wood grain to remain visible, and Decking Oil, an economical option that requires more frequent applications.

How long do exterior timber deck finishes last, and what happens if they are not properly maintained?

The longevity of deck finishes is influenced by various factors such as the quality of the coating, exposure to sunlight, weather conditions, and maintenance. Generally, exterior finishes do not last as long as interior finishes due to the harsh ultraviolet light they receive. If deck finishes are not properly maintained, the finish can deteriorate over time. This can result in flaking off, leaving the raw wooden deck exposed and vulnerable to rot. Damaged boards may require more expensive repairs or even replacement. It is essential to regularly maintain, recoat, and restore timber decks to ensure their longevity and preserve their aesthetic appeal. Professional deck sanding specialists, like Budget Floor Sanding Brisbane, have the expertise and specialized equipment to perform deck restoration effectively.

Are timber floor finishes pet-friendly and safe for children?

Yes, most timber floor finishes are safe for children and pets after the curing time has passed. It is better to opt for finishes with low VOCs in the house with pets and children. Water-based finishes are particularly suitable as they emit fewer VOCs, but it’s best to keep children and pets off the floor during the curing period.

How soon after polishing can I walk on the floor?

The minimum time to use or to walk after polishing with a water-based finish is 24 hours. Oil-based finishes require a longer drying time, often up to 48 hours or more. Avoid placing or dragging household items on the freshly cured floors for a week.

What are VOCs, and what is their role in floor finishes?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals emitted as gases from certain finishes, especially oil-based products. High-VOC finishes pollute indoor air and cause serious breathing problems. Water-based finishes have low VOCs, making them a popular choice in Brisbane homes.
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Customer Reviews
After ripping up the old lino in our kitchen we found a mosaic parquetry timber floor. Because we were changing the kitchen layout there were areas of the floor that didn’t have parquetry. Budget Floor Sanding was able to source matching parquetry in size and timber species to patch the floor. It looks absolutely stunning after they sanded and polished the parquetry. Flawless quality and excellent service. We would definitely use their floor sanding services again. Review by: Liz Gayton
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